Legendary Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72
Renowned singer Pankaj Udhas, known for his soulful melodies, breathed his last after battling a prolonged illness.
In a saddening turn of events, Pankaj Udhas, the illustrious ghazal singer whose resonant voice captivated millions, has passed away at the age of 72. The demise of the legendary artist marks the end of an era in the realm of Indian music.
Pankaj Udhas, an icon in the world of ghazals, bid farewell to the mortal world on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable melodies. His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, announced the heartbreaking news via an Instagram post, attributing his demise to a prolonged illness that he valiantly battled.
The younger Udhas, known for his velvety voice and emotional renditions, rose to prominence in the 1970s with numerous projects in Bollywood. However, it was his haunting rendition of ‘chhitthi aayi hai’ from the 1986 blockbuster ‘Naam’ that etched his name into the annals of Indian music history.
Raj Kapoor, the cinematic luminary, once remarked to Udhas that the song had immortalized him, declaring, ‘tu amar ho gaya.’ In an interview, Udhas disclosed that the iconic track was recorded in a single take, a testament to his unparalleled talent and mastery of his craft.
Hailing from the musical soil of Gujarat’s Savarkundla, Pankaj Udhas was born into a family deeply entrenched in the art of music. Following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Manhar Udhas, a prominent playback singer in Hindi cinema, Pankaj ventured into the realm of melodies and soon carved a niche for himself.
Relocating to Mumbai, the city of dreams, Pankaj Udhas pursued his education at St. Xavier’s College, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the world of music.
Apart from the mesmerizing ‘chitthi aayi hai’ from the movie ‘Naam,’ Udhas left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his enchanting melodies, including the chart-topping ‘na kajre ki dhar’ from the film ‘Mohra.’ His non-film songs such as ‘chandi jaisa rang hai tera,’ ‘chupke chupke sakhiyon se,’ and ‘ahista’ resonated deeply with audiences, cementing his status as a maestro of ghazals.
As the curtains fall on the life of Pankaj Udhas, his melodies will continue to echo in the hearts of music aficionados, serving as a timeless tribute to his unparalleled talent and the indelible legacy he leaves behind.
